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When it comes to building a rush defense, Todd Bowles is a master architect

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense was one of the most improved in the league in 2019. After finishing 2018 ranked 27th in the league, the Bucs ended this year as the league’s 15th-best defense.

What’s more, they went from being ranked 24th in rush defense last season, allowing 123.9 yards per game, to first this season, surrendering just 73.8 yards. That’s no small feat for a team that plays in the same division as running backs like Alvin Kamara, Christian McCaffrey and Devonta Freeman.

The drastic turnaround of Tampa Bay’s rush defense can be credited to first-year defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who has a track record of success when it comes to creating formidable defensive fronts.

Bowles worked as the DC with the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2014, when Bruce Arians was head coach. In 2013, the Cardinals — under Bowles — had the league’s top rush defense, giving up 84.4 yards per game. In 2012, prior to Bowles’ arrival, Arizona’s defense was giving up 137.0 yards per game, which ranked 28th in the league.

And, when Bowles became head coach of the New York Jets in 2015, he was taking over a rush defense that ranked 5th in the league in 2014. But, under the tutelage of Bowles, the Jets jumped up to 2nd in 2015.

For a league that loves to put a premium on offensive firepower, Bowles has proven time and again that he can turn even the league’s worst defenses into one of the best, all within the span of one year. His experience, both as a coordinator and head coach, is a major plus for the Buccaneers, who were in desperate need of a rebuild following 2018.

As the Bucs heads into the offseason, they’ll look to add to an already formidable defense through free agency and the draft. And, with Bowles at the helm, Tampa Bay could easily have a top 5 defense next season. Couple that with the Bucs’ already potent offense, and there’s no doubt Tampa Bay’s postseason drought could finally come to an end in 2020.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stumbled down the stretch last season, losing their final two games to finish 7-9. Jameis Winston's struggles in December sealed his fate, and the Bucs opted to part ways with the former number one overall pick and instead hand the keys of the franchise over to six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.

Stumbling isn't a word usually associated with the future Hall of Famer, and for good reason. Brady has been a machine over the course of his illustrious career, and Tampa Bay is hoping his winning ways will continue in the Sunshine State.